So here it is folks…one of secrets I’ve learned in being successful: consistency is key.
Many people ask me how I’ve gotten so many “commercial” jobs as I have. Honestly, I wish I had more…but all that will come as my plan to take over the world unfolds.
I attribute a lot to God, honestly. Being a faithful dude (albeit, not as faithful as I should be sometimes…but faithful nonetheless…), I can wholeheartedly say that without a doubt, God is THE key factor in my success…because if it wasn’t for the gifts and abilities He’s given me, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. It’s that simple.
But I think fundamentally, it all comes down to being consistent.
You see, there are many-a-photographer out there doing their thing…and getting it done. We are a dime a dozen, my friends…so what sets me apart from anyone else who’s out there making pretty pictures?
Consistency.
Even if you consistently rock or consistently suck, at least you are consistent about it. Although, it IS better if you don’t consistently suck…but if you do, you know where you stand, right? And trust me, we ALL have consistently sucked at some point…sometimes, I still do. :)
I learned early on that being consistent was important…all the way from the basics, which would be a single photo shoot. Early on, when we all picked up a camera, we probably put the camera on automatic. We let the camera tell US what the white balance should be, what the shutter speed and aperture should be, what the focus should be…and that’s great, if things never changed…but camera’s aren’t smart enough to detect and make those subtle changes that us human beings are able to do. So what happens? You get all kinds of different pictures…some over exposed, some under exposed…some warmer, some cooler. We sometimes get that ONE shot that’s just right…but maybe only one out of every ten shots we take. Remember I told you I try to teach myself something new at every shoot? Well, on that particular day, I taught myself a couple of things; but one of those things was learning how to consistently make pretty pictures. To make sure that ten out of ten shots were great. I still try to do it, even if I’m not always successful.
But I think that’s the mark of a professional: making pretty pictures consistently. You see, there are hundreds of us that can take a decent shot…you look at people’s portfolios and pictures every day and they are chock full of lots of great shots. But are all of them great?
I’ve learned it’s SO important to have your portfolio be a reflection of you and what you are currently doing. Sure, you may have a great picture in your portfolio that you think is awesome…but is it really awesome? Is it a true representation of your work and what you can currently provide for your client? These are the questions that you need to ask yourself and you really need to evaluate whether or not a particular image is really doing you justice.
The bottom line is when a potential client or model looks in your portfolio, what are they seeing? Consistency is what tells people you can hit that mark every time you shoot. When a client asks you for a particular shot, can you deliver that shot every time? If the answer is “yes,” 9 times out of 10, you will get the job over someone whose portfolio shows great images, but lacks consistency.
When you put yourself out there for the world to see, make sure it’s something true to you and that it’s something polished and pretty…and when you execute, make it a goal to consistently rock with every single shot.
Great podcast as always, Aaron. Really admire your sunset shots!
Just curious, which AB do you usually use for sunset work? 800 or 1600?
A tip you might want want to add is sandbags for your lightstands. Here on Maui, the beaches get very windy near sunset, so adding weights to the lightstand is a necessity, especially if you’re using a softbox.
I’ve been wanting to use my AB/Softbox setup at the beach more often, but keep running into issues with the Vagabond dying (usually in the middle of the shoot). Been looking into the Honda EU1000 generator to replace the Vagabond – have you tried those out or does your Vagabond workout pretty well for you?
Thanks so much Todd…your comments and insight are always appreciated!!
To date, I have been mostly using an 800…I just recently acquired a ring flash as well as a 1600…so I’ve been testing those out recently to see if there is a big difference. And honestly, there hasn’t been since I’ve really been able to get away with the 800 all this time. I think the real test will be in brighter daylight situations.
As far as sandbags…DEFINITELY a great idea! I usually use the vagabond to weigh my stand down…and I use the AB wide-foot stands…they are more stable.
Curious; how long have you had your Vagabond? Usually, if you have had it for more than a year or so, the battery tends to not recharge fully, thus not lasting as long. You might want to try replacing the battery portion, which is actually pretty easy to do. I haven’t had my battery die on a shoot…yet. :) And I’m actually able to use the Vagabond for a couple shoots before I have to recharge it. I don’t usually pop the lights higher than half to 3/4…and when I do push it to full power, it isn’t for very long.
I’ve had my Vagabond a few years now, but have rarely used it – maybe on 5 or 6 shoots total because it usually only lasts about 150 pops with an AB800 @ 1/2 power. (I’ve heard it’s supposed to last a LOT longer)
I’ve put up with it so far because I don’t do nearly the amount of shooting you do – no magazines or swimwear manufacturers have been hiring me to shoot for them yet. Maybe you can do a future podcast on how to get those kinds of contacts ;-)
I’ve worked with Alien Bees customer service several times and had the inverter replaced twice, but it’s still flakey (It works when it feels like it).
My friend had the same problem with his Vagabond, so he switched to the Honda Generator. I’ve been thinking about going that route as well someday.
Good stuff Aaron – For the Vagabond, I haven’t had mine very long but it is recommended that it stay plugged in whenever it isn’t in use – that is supposed to help it last longer…
Quick question; what is the largest softbox you use?
I was curious about that too. In some of your videos I think I’ve seen you use what looks like an Octodome? Also, your ringflash, have you been using it with or without the moon unit? I bought one, but haven’t really played around with it yet.
My Vagabond has been plugged into the wall ever since I got it, and I’m still not getting anywhere near what everyone else seems to get out of it. Wierd. ;-)
The largest softbox I use is a 7 ft Octodome. :)
Yeah, I have been thinking about grabbing the 56″ moon unit…which one do you have? I have been using my ringflash on location as a main light due to the flexibility of using it as an off-camera strobe or an on-camera ringlight. Let me know how you like the moon unit. :)